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Psalm 23:1-6 ESV
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Sermon Discussion Guide
Big Idea:
“For those who know his voice as their Shepherd follow him. Follow him down his path of righteousness. Know that their Shepherd is with them in the dark valley. Experience the comfort of their Shepherd’s mercy and goodness pursuing them every moment of every day of their life. And just as the sheep were anointed with oil to keep the pests away, those who have Jesus as their Shepherd are anointed with the oil of the Spirit of God.”
How were you impacted by the message this week?
Read Psalm 23:1-6. What did we learn about independence (both good and bad)?
What does it mean to be dependent on God as our good Shepherd?
What does a shepherd do for his sheep? What keeps sheep from resting?
How are we similar to sheep? What is the root of our inability to rest? How is fear robbing you of rest?
Why is our focus in the valley of life important? Where is our Shepherd as we walk through the valley?
Read John 10:11, 14-15, 27-29. What are the similarities between the shepherd described in Psalm 23 and Jesus as the good Shepherd?
Why is knowing the Shepherd’s voice important? What comfort should this give us?
How do these six verses sum up all of our needs and how each one will be met?
NOTES
PERSONAL REFLECTION
How were you personally challenged this week?
Why is living a life dependent on God important? How can our independence get in the way?
Why does Jesus refer to us as sheep? How have you personally behaved like a sheep lately?
In what ways have you personally seen Christ shepherding you or someone you love?
How will you personally apply what you learned from the sermon to your life?
How can your group hold you accountable this week? How can they encourage you?
DEEPER
Pray: Take time this week to pray for each Life Group member individually. At your next meeting, follow up with each other’s prayer requests.
Read: Psalms 23:1-6; John 10:11, 14-15, 27-29. Take time to reflect on these passages and write down your thoughts. Visit Gateway News to read and review the sermon manuscript from our Easter service.
Write: Take time to write down your thoughts and insights from the sermon this week. Keeping a journal is just one more tool that you can use to track what God is showing you in your walk with him.
Sing: Visit Gateway News and listen to the worship songs from Sunday throughout the week. Look up the lyrics to each song and spend some time reading them as well.
Memorize: As a Life Group, pick a few verses from the sermon and memorize them this week. (Psalms 23:1-6; John 10:11, 14-15, 27-29)
Love: How can your group show the love of Christ to our community in the coming month?
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